U.A.E. Permanent Rep. to UN speaks at discussion of ICPD Programme of Action beyond 2014 and challenges facing the Arab region

NEW YORK: The Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations, Ambassador Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, on 5th September attended a luncheon hosted by the President of the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS (UN Population Fund; UN Development Programme; UN Office for Project Services) and Permanent Representative of Fiji to the UN, Ambassador Peter Thomson. The lunch was attended by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Executive Director of UNFPA, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, as well as prominent Permanent Representatives from the Global South and other regions to the UN. The objective of the luncheon was to provide the Secretary-General and Permanent Representatives with a platform for a dialogue on the way forward in advancing the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action beyond 2014. Speaking on behalf of the U.A.E. when asked to outline the regional perspective of challenges facing the Arab world, Nusseibeh began by commending the role of the UNFPA in tackling issues of population and development worldwide. She pointed to the strength and solidity of the agency as demonstrated in its ability to mobilise the international community toward consensus on issues of population and development building on the Cairo Declaration adopted 20 years ago. Nusseibeh said that the U.A.E. acknowledges that many of the challenges that face our world are borderless – whether it is terrorism, climate change or population drivers that lead to migration – so it is incumbent upon us all to work together to find solutions to these incredibly critical issues. She added, "Earlier this week, the U.A.E. Foreign Ministry released a statement affirming our support for all regional and international efforts to stand firm against all extremist threats and condemning acts of indiscriminate violence and destruction -- including mass executions, expulsions, and the abduction and enslavement of innocent women and children by terrorists. It is our view that these actions undermine regional and international stability, threatening the norms of tolerance and religious diversity that are the foundation on which the work of the UNFPA rests." In her remarks, Nusseibeh also highlighted recent challenges facing the Middle East, namely the youth bulge, climate change and gender participation as well as the rise of extremism which threatens the stability and security of the region and the progress made by countries like the U.A.E.. She mentioned the impact an increasingly young society will have on the country in the coming years, and how the U.A.E. has tapped into the potential of its own youth, as well as the region’s, to offer a model that provides economic opportunity for development and sustainability. "With over 30 percent of the region’s population between the ages of 15 and 29, representing over 100 million youth, this is the highest proportion of youth to adults in our region’s history. In the U.A.E., we feel the energy and aspirations of this group – and we are committed to giving them every opportunity to contribute to our economy and society and to building a future for themselves and their families." Additional examples were given of the extraordinary success story of women in the U.A.E., where maternal and child health care is prioritised and where women are full participants in every aspect of society. "Women represent 50 percent of our society and 100 percent of our mothers – their success and positive contributions are the cornerstones of a stable productive and successful society," she added. She outlined that education is the key tool for girls to achieve their full potential and how the U.A.E. is not only focused on education within its own borders, but also, through organisations like Dubai Cares, has been committed to globally improving access to education for girls worldwide. Nusseibeh also reiterated that, "The U.A.E. is committed to working towards a global agreement on climate change and commends the Security General’s initiative to host a Climate Summit this month to galvanise global action where we intend to be active and substantive partners." She added, "We were honoured to have been a part of that endeavour earlier this year with the Abu Dhabi Ascent meeting." The lunch also honoured the recent extension of Dr. Osotimehin’s term as UNFPA Executive Director. – Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395269342591.html